BID WHIST Meaning and
Definition
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Bid whist is a popular trick-taking card game that originated in the United States, particularly among African American communities. It is played by four players, divided into two teams of two partners, with the objective of winning tricks and earning points.
The game is typically played with a standard deck of 52 cards, where the two highest ranking suits are Spades and Diamonds, followed by Clubs and Hearts. The players are dealt a set number of cards, usually 12 or 13, and the remaining cards are placed face-down in the center of the table, serving as the "kitty".
The game proceeds with players taking turns to bid on the number of tricks they believe their team can win based on the strength of their hand. Bidding is conducted in a clockwise manner, starting from the dealer. The highest bid determines the trump suit for that round, which is the suit that holds the most power to win tricks.
After the bidding phase, the player who won the bid becomes the declarer, and their partner becomes the partner, while the opposing team forms the defenders. The declarer plays a card to lead the first trick, and all players must follow suit if they can. The trick is won by the highest trump card played or by the highest card of the led suit if no trumps are played.
Points are awarded based on the number of tricks won and the declared bid. The game continues with alternating declarers until a predetermined points target is reached by one of the teams.
Etymology of BID WHIST
The term "bid whist" is believed to have originated from the combination of two separate words: "bid" and "whist".
1. "Bid": The term "bid" in bid whist comes from the card game bridge, which is a trick-taking game. In bridge, players make bids to declare the number of tricks (or rounds) they believe they can win in a particular suit. This term "bid" reflects the act of declaring or making an offer in a card game.
2. "Whist": Whist is another card game that dates back to the 17th century in England. It is a predecessor to bridge and, like bridge, is also a trick-taking game. The word "whist" itself is of uncertain origin, with some suggestions pointing to a Middle English term meaning "quiet" or "silent" since players are expected to remain silent during gameplay.
